We all want a flat, and toned stomach. No surprise there. Having those stubborn fats around your belly is almost similar to a wardrobe...

We all want a flat, and toned stomach. No surprise there. Having those stubborn fats around your belly is almost similar to a wardrobe malfunction. With those muffin tops hanging around your waist, fitting into nice clothes can be rather difficult.

Imagine walking around the mall, and you see a really cute crop top. But then you look down at your belly…

Belly fat is also the most harmful fat in your body, and keeping it there can cause some serious health issues in the future.

Belly fat, known as Visceral Fat, is stored around the important internal organs such as liver, pancreas, and the intestines. Having a normal amount of belly fat is perfectly fine. But, storing higher amounts of it can lead to a number of health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

According to WedMD, a waist size of more than 35 inches is a cause for concern for ladies, and a waist size of more than 40 inches can spell trouble for the gents.

If you realise that you have a bigger pants size, but you are not overweight, it may be time to start making changes to your diet.

Most of the time, it is easier said than done. Yes, it is a tough change to make. But, losing those belly fats can benefit your health, and you can finally fit into that cropped top without having to worry about that bulging belly hanging onto you.

A plank is one of the best exercises you can do to burn away the stubborn belly fats. It works your core muscles and helps you to build strength around your core to sculpt your waistline and improves your posture.

How to do it:

Get down on all fours with your legs extended, and your elbows bent 90 degrees directly under your shoulder. Your feet should be hip-width apart, and elbows should be shoulder-width apart. Contract your abs and tuck your toes to lift your body. You should be in straight line from head to heels.

You can time yourself to be in the plank position starting from 30 seconds to 60 seconds. You can increase the timing as you get better at it.

Make it harder:

Feel that the standard plank is too easy for you? Up your game and do the side plank instead. Lie on your side with your elbow directly beneath your shoulders and leg stacked. This position is harder than your typical plank as you will be supporting your entire weight on two points of contact instead of four.

A full body roll up helps to strengthen your core. It also lengthens and stretches your back and hamstrings.

How to do it:

First, grab your yoga mat or gym mat. You do not want to be lying on the hard ground as it can hurt your back. Then, lie on the mat with your arms extended overhead, legs long, and feet flexed. Inhale as you lift your arms up, begin curling chin, and chest forward.

Exhale as you roll your entire torso up and over legs keeping abs engaged and reaching for your toes. Inhale as you roll your spine back down slowly.

Lie flat on your back with your arms straight out at the sides for leverage. Lift your legs up from the ground. Bend your knees and rotate your hips to either side. Make sure your legs do not touch the ground.

Make it harder:

For a more advanced level, straighten your legs instead of bending them. You could also make use of a swiss ball for your cores to work even harder.

Doing cross crunches is a great way to work those muscles at the side of your abdomen.

How to do it:

Lie on your back with your knees bent. Place your arms behind your head. Unlike the basic crunch where you lift both your shoulders off, contract your abs and lift your left shoulder up while raising your right knee.

Pull your left shoulder towards each other, and then return to the starting position. Do the same with your right shoulder.

Lie on the mat and keep your leg as straight as possible. Slowly raise your legs perpendicular to the floor. Hold the contraction at the top for a second before lowering your legs slowly to the start position.

Vickie Ng

Vickie is a day dreamer and someone who is passionate about the world of words. The odd one in her family and amongst her group of friends. Her minds often wander elsewhere, usually thinking of interesting and unusual things. She also has an addiction for travel and craves for it 100% of the time.

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